We welcome young drivers
The Young Driver panel is passionate about introducing the timeless sport of carriage driving to the next generation. Our Junior and Young Drivers programs are designed to inspire and develop the skills of budding carriage drivers, ages 6 to 25.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our experienced instructors provide a supportive and dynamic environment for young enthusiasts to thrive.
Our program emphasises both the excitement of driving and the importance of teamwork, discipline, and responsibility.
Participants learn the fundamentals of carriage driving, from harnessing and handling horses to mastering the art of navigation and precision driving. We also focus on safety, ensuring that all young drivers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle their equine partners with confidence and care.
Join us for a rewarding experience where tradition meets youthful energy. Our Junior and Young Drivers programs offer a blend of hands-on learning, competitive opportunities, and lasting friendships. Unleash your potential and be part of a community that celebrates the elegance and excitement of carriage driving. Join a club today and start your journey with us!
In Victoria each discipline is overseen by a Convenor and a panel of members particularly interested in that discipline.
Convenors and panels give guidance to clubs on their events, programs and the rules pertaining to that discipline.
Young Driver Convenor: Alison McDiarmid – alimcjmull@gmail.com
Young Driver Panel: Claire Harris, Georgia McDiarmid
Requirements for Junior/Young Driver
Juniors and Young Drivers are catered for with instruction days and frequently a Junior Camp where a range of suitable activities are offered to assist drivers to learn about carriage driving.
- A Junior is a person who is not yet 18
- A Young Driver is under 25 years
- A Junior driver aged 6-7 years inclusive is allowed to drive a single horse or pony and must be accompanied in the vehicle by an ACDS adult member (an experienced driving person) seated alongside at all times and holding a second pair of reins attached to the bit.
- A Junior driver aged 8-15 years inclusive must be accompanied in the vehicle by a ACDS adult member (an experienced driving person) who must be facing forward.
- Junior drivers who are 16-17 may be allowed to drive stallions at ACDS show events, you will need to get approved by the organisers.
- A Junior driver aged 16-17 may drive a pair or tandem of ponies, but not horses or a team.
CDE’s & Indoor Events (additional requirements)
- There are special rules for Juniors at Indoor events so you will have to be 10 to drive or groom.
- Combined Driving Events also have special rules, you will need to be 12 to drive a single horse or pony, 16 to drive pony multiples and 18 to drive horse multiples.
- Juniors can groom at a CDE or Indoor event at 10 for singles and 14 for a multiple.
Helmets
All juniors driving or riding in a carriage must wear a helmet as per the ACDS bylaw 13.12 whilst at an ACDS activity.
